Internationally, the Q3 is offered with a choice of three four-cylinder engines: one TDI diesel and two TFSI petrol engines.

Power figures for the three engines range from 125 to 155kW, and a 2.0 TDI variant will soon enter the affordable end of the line-up later in 2011 with 103kW of power and a low 5.2 l/100km fuel consumption rating.

In European trim, the two petrol engines are mated to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, via the S tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

Australian specifications won't be revealed until closer to the compact SUV's early 2012 launch, although we can likely expect all three of the engines available in Europe.